Each week, ASTA brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week, guns in schools, major new poll results, new requirements in Kentucky, and more!

Ed Dept Weighs Allowing Funds to Purchase Guns: News broke midweek that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is considering whether or not to allow states to use federal education funds when purchasing firearms for teachers. The issue came up when the state of Texas asked for clarification on how it can use funds tied to ESSA. The wording of the law they’re looking at is broad and open for interpretation, potentially making the purchasing of firearms a legitimate use. Congress has already appropriated different funds specifically for school safety, but those funds can’t be used for firearms purchases. The president has a history of stating his support for allowing armed teachers in schools. Although no decision has been made, some have already expressed their displeasure that the funds in question could be used in this manner.

Major Education Survey Finds Little Support for Agency Fees, Growing Support for Pay and Choice: This week, the education journal Education Next released the results of its annual poll on education. The poll is notable for its rigor and comprehensiveness. It also tracks changes in attitude over time. This year’s results showed a jump in respondents who supported an increase in teacher salaries and additional school spending. There was also growing support in the public for issues around school choice including charter schools and school vouchers. The survey also found that a majority of both the public (56%) and teachers (also 56%) oppose the use of agency fees.

Kentucky Ends Master’s Degree Requirement: Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board voted on Monday to remove the requirement that teachers earn a master’s degree within the first ten years of their career. The board said it made the decision due to the lack of evidence indicating improved teaching among teachers who had an advanced degree. The head of the state’s teachers’ union quickly came out against the move and vowed that teachers would remember in November.